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What is creativity? Creativity involves breaking away from traditional patterns of thought. Creativity is not just about the arts, or particular types of individual. We all have the ability to think creatively – to come up with ideas, solve problems, to use imagination and look for alternative innovative outcomes in any activity. Creativity means generating outcomes that are original and of value.

Where does creativity come from? God is the ultimate creator. His wisdom and knowledge are available to us. He can give us the best ideas to do great things for Him. He can give us the best ideas to solve problems.

Why are creative thinking skills necessary? Creative thinking skills are essential for success in learning and success in life. Children who are encouraged to think creatively show increased levels of motivation and self esteem. Creativity prepares them with the flexible skills they will need to face an uncertain future. Employers want people who are adaptable, innovative, can solve problems and communicate well with others.

Characteristics of a creative person Memory for facts Memory for detail Independent Flexible

Thinks about things; reflective Has many ideas Can develop and improve upon an idea Comes up with new ideas

Persistent Curious Imaginative A problem solver Likes to experiment

What hinders creativity? A classroom where pupils work for long periods of time with little active learning. No opportunity to ask questions and find out answers for themselves.

Where does creativity flourish? Creativity thrives where there is time to: explore, experiment and generate ideas. show imagination and originality judge the value of what they have done ask questions represent ideas in different ways – visually, physically and verbally

Examples of Beacon Media creative thinking skills Topic: The Senses The answer is “our senses”. Give 5 questions.

Topic: Healthy Food Think of a healthy food that most children do not like. Think of 3 ways to make the food taste better, but still healthy.

Topic: Being a helper What if people did not help each other? Give 3 things that might happen.

20 Thinking skills From Tony Ryans “Thinking Keys” You can create topic-based thinking skills using the following ideas….

1. Thinking in the opposite direction E.g. Name 10 things you cannot clean

2. What if E.g. What if the price of petrol was immediately doubled.

3. Disadvantages and improvements E.g. What are the disadvantages of an umbrella? How could you improve the design?

4. The combination List the attributes of 2 dissimilar objects and then combine them. E.g. create an invention that combines a telephone and a lounge chair.

5. The BAR think ladder Take an object Make if Bigger Add something. Replace something.

6. Alphabet acrostic e.g. JOY Jesus first Others next Yourself last

7. Variations How many ways can you… E.g. catch a fish

8. The doodle Make it into something

9. The Prediction Predict how schools will operate in 20 years time.

10. Different uses Find 10 uses for plastic water bottles.

11. Making the impossible possible E.g. How could hunger and poverty be eliminated in all African nations?

12. Things in common Decide upon 2 objects which would generally have nothing in common, and try to outline some points they have in common. E.g. The Pacific Ocean and the Grand Canyon Both tourist attractions. Both non-living things. Both are deep.

13. The question Start with the answer E.g. the answer is “Midnight”. Give 3 questions. 1. When is it 12 hours after midday? 2. What is another name for “the middle of the night”? 3. If you go to bed at 8 o’clock, what time is it 4 hours later?

14. Brainstorming Think of as many ideas as you can. Don’t hesitate and consider why they might not be good ideas. Simply write them down.

15. Inventions E.g. invent an eggshell peeler for a boiled egg.

16. Alternatives Take a statement which everyone thinks cannot be questioned. Then try to think of other ways of dealing with the situation. E.g. Everyone needs to pay taxes.

17. The construction Get students to build something given limited equipment. E.g. Build the highest possible self-supporting structure using: 10 straws and 4 rubber bands.

18. Problem solving Solve a problem by using 3 totally dissimilar objects. Each of the objects cannot be used for its normally intended function. E.g. You are trying to catch a mouse. You have a broom, a bucket and a tennis balls.

19. Find an alternative way E.g. work out 3 different ways to clean your teeth without a toothbrush.

20. A different interpretation Describe an unusual situation and then think of some different reasons why this might be happening. E.g. Your neighbour is making large circles in his backyard by pouring black oil from a can. A possible reason why: He has discovered some ant holes, and is marking them out so that he can poison the ants.